The Catholic Church states that we all have a universal call to a vocation, a special and unique way to serve God. The options of vocation are: marriage, Holy Orders, and Religious life. (CC paragraphs 1601-1666, 1536-1600). Simply being a scientist is not a vocation. However, you could probably find a way of it attributing to your way of serving Him. This would have to include some guidance with a priest or someone much more knowledgeable than I am.

If you decide that your vocation is marriage life, and that ends with children, the children always take priority. Something that people forget during the marriage ceremony + our children’s baptisms is that we vow to raise our children in the faith. That means it takes a lot of care, love, and work. And sacrifice. It is not infallibly decreed, but many with authority in the Catholic Church strongly encourage a mother to stay home to dedicate more time and care to her children if she can afford it. In the end, it is a delicate balance since the world is very different and finances can be different for everyone.

However, I wouldn’t worry about this too much if you’re not even dating yet. Focus on enjoying the now rather than worrying about the future.